Resume References Available Upon Request: What to Know

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Table of contents

What Does References Available Upon Request Mean?
Why Do Employers Ask for References?
Should You Include “References Available Upon Request” on Your Resume or CV?
What to Do Instead: Writing a References List
Key Takeaways
FAQ

You're putting the finishing touches on your resume when the thought occurs to you: Should I add "references available upon request" at the bottom of the page?

You may have heard mixed guidance about this phrase. Some say it's old-fashioned and could make you look bad. On the other hand, you're excited to share your references and—let's admit it—the line helps you fill out the page until you've got more experience.

Well, we're here to answer your questions with this guide. We'll cover the following topics:

What it means to write "references available upon request" on a resume
Why employers ask for professional references
Whether you should include "references available upon request" on your resume
How (and when) to write a resume reference list instead

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What Does References Available Upon Request Mean?

Including the phrase "references available upon request" on your resume indicates that you'll provide a list of professional contacts if an employer asks for them later in the hiring process.

This phrase is traditionally included to reassure employers that you can supply references when needed. In the past, resumes often listed references directly, so this line became a way to indicate availability without taking up too much space.

Today, this practice is largely seen as optional or outdated. When you're writing a resume for the modern job market, it's essential to use the limited space on your resume to showcase your relevant skills and qualifications for the role.

Pro tip

Choose from our selection of professional resume templates to start crafting a polished resume that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers in your field.

Why Do Employers Ask for References?

Employers ask for references to verify your experience, assess your work ethic, and gain insight into how you perform in a professional environment.

To Confirm Your Work History & Qualifications

References allow employers to validate key details on your resume, such as job history, responsibilities, and achievements. This helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of hiring based on incomplete or misleading information.

To Evaluate Your Performance & Behavior

Hiring managers often use references to understand how you work day-to-day, including your reliability, communication skills, and ability to collaborate.

Feedback from previous supervisors can provide a clearer picture of your strengths and areas for growth.

To Compare Final Candidates

Reference checks are often conducted at the final stage of hiring when multiple candidates are still under consideration. Strong, consistent feedback from references can help you stand out and influence the final decision.

Should You Include "References Available Upon Request" on Your Resume or CV?

You generally should not include "references available upon request" on your resume or CV, as employers already expect you to provide references when asked.

The phrase adds little value and takes up space that could be better used for showcasing your skills, achievements, and experience.

When It's Okay to Include This Phrase

There are a few situations where including this phrase may still be appropriate.

For example, if you're early in your career, transitioning industries, or submitting a more traditional CV (such as in academia or certain international markets), it can serve as a formal placeholder.

While including CV references available upon request is unlikely to harm your application chances, it's simply unnecessary in most cases. For most modern resumes and CVs, it's best to omit this line entirely to keep your document concise and focused.

How to Include This Phrase on Your Resume

If you decide to put references available upon request on your resume, there's really only one place the line should go on most resume layouts: at the bottom of your document.

This line can function as a final note for the reader to follow up on after they've read your resume.

Here's an example of how you might include this phrase at the bottom of your resume:

References

Available upon request

What to Do Instead: Writing a References List

Instead of adding "references available upon request" to your resume, create a separate references list you can share when asked. This approach keeps your resume focused while ensuring you're fully prepared for the later stages of the hiring process.

What to Include in a References List

Your references list should be a clean, professional document that includes two to three contacts who can speak to your work.

Here's the information you should list for each reference:

Name
Position
Company name
Phone number
Email address
Brief description of your connection

Creating a separate list is much better than trying to fit references into your perfectly constructed resume. And, if your interviewer asks for the list, you can give your references a heads-up.

How to Format Your References

Format your references list the same way you formatted your resume, using the same header, font, and spacing. This creates a cohesive, professional impression and makes it easy for employers to review your information.

Here's an example of how to format your reference list entries:

John Smith
Senior Marketing Manager, ABC Company
Former Direct Supervisor
(123) 456-7890 • john.smith@email.com
Supervised my work on digital campaigns and can speak to my performance, leadership, and results.

Emily Chen
Project Manager, XYZ Solutions
Colleague and Team Lead
(234) 567-8901 • emily.chen@email.com
Collaborated closely on cross-functional projects and can provide insight into my teamwork and communication skills.

Michael Rodriguez
Professor of Business, University of Washington
Academic Advisor
(345) 678-9012 • m.rodriguez@email.com
Oversaw my academic work and can speak to my analytical abilities, work ethic, and subject matter knowledge.

Pro tip

Select people who can speak positively and specifically about your professional skills and performance. Ideal references include former managers, supervisors, colleagues, or professors who know your work well and can provide relevant insights.

When to Send Your References

Only provide your references when an employer asks for them, typically during the final stages of the hiring process.

Having your list ready in advance allows you to respond quickly and professionally.

Before including anyone on your references list, ask for their permission. Let them know what roles you're applying for so they can tailor their feedback if contacted.

Key Takeaways

"References available upon request" is unnecessary.
Including the phrase "references available upon request" is no longer expected on modern resumes and can be omitted.
References are typically provided later in the hiring process.
Most employers don't ask for references up front; instead, they request them only after you've progressed to the later stages of hiring.
A separate reference list is the professional standard.
Instead of placing references on your resume, it's best practice to prepare a separate reference list document so you can quickly provide full details when an employer requests them.
Strong references should be relevant and professional.
The best references are people who can speak directly to your work performance, such as managers, supervisors, professors, or colleagues.
Preparation helps your references represent you better.
Notifying your references in advance and sharing details about the job you're applying for helps them provide more tailored and relevant feedback.
Providing references at the right time is important.
References should only be shared when requested by the employer, typically near the end of the hiring process. Providing them too early is unnecessary and can distract from your application.

FAQ

Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Instead of saying "references available upon request," you can simply leave references off your resume entirely, since employers assume you will provide them when needed.

If you want to include a statement, you can use alternatives like "Professional references available upon request" or "References provided upon interview."

In most cases, however, modern resumes omit this line to save space and focus on the relevant skills and experience that make you a great fit for the job.

Being asked for references doesn't necessarily mean you got the job. It usually means you're in the final stages of consideration and the employer is doing due diligence before making a decision.

Many candidates reach the reference-check stage but are still competing with others, so it's a positive sign, but not an official job offer or guarantee.

No, it's not bad to leave references off your resume. Most employers expect candidates to provide references only when requested, not up front.

Including them can take up valuable space that's better used for skills and experience.

A simple line like "References available upon request" on a resume is optional but acceptable if you want to acknowledge them.

When you're asked for references, you should respond promptly, professionally, and with prepared contacts.

Confirm you are happy to provide references, then share two to three people (or more if requested by the hiring manager) who can speak positively about your work.

Include their names, titles, companies, and contact information. Always notify your references in advance so they're prepared to respond and can give a strong, relevant recommendation.

You can use a friend as a reference only if they can genuinely speak to your professional skills, work ethic, or relevant experience, such as in a work setting, volunteer role, or academic project. However, most employers prefer professional or academic references over personal ones.

If the friend cannot provide credible, work-related insight, it is better to choose a manager, colleague, teacher, or supervisor instead.

To professionally ask for references, you should request them politely and give the person context about the job you're applying for.

Reach out by email or phone, remind them of your relationship, and ask if they feel comfortable serving as a reference.

Always give them time to respond, and only list them as references after they agree. It's also good practice to thank them for their support.

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years' experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.